This is a slim, densely
written and solidly rewarding volume
throwing considered light on the erotic
and mythic dimensions of Szymanowski's
music. One can imagine a similar dissertation
being written on Sorabji's music. Sorabji
was of course a fervent admirer of and
crusader for Szymanowski's music (especially
the Third Symphony Song of the Night).
Bax too (another Szymanowski champion)
could easily stand similar treatment
which was in fact accorded to him in
some measure in Colin Scott-Sutherland's
1972 Dent book. Bax by the way originally
dedicated his Sixth Symphony to Szymanowski;
only later supplanting the Pole in favour
of Adrian Boult in the published score.

What impresses mightily
and immediately about this book is the
depth of the referential material which
reflects widely read approach.

There are 24 music
examples. The index runs to three pages;
the bibliography to seven.

This is an agreeably
detailed study suitable for Szymanowski
specialists and those fascinated by
the margins and overlaps between music,
literature, myth and psychology.

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